Weighing device



M. A. WECKERLY WEIGHING DEVICE Jan. 12, 1937.

Filed Feb. 2, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet l viii Mark AMcker/ INVENTOR A ORNEY Jan. 12, 1937. M. A. WECKERLY WEIGHING DEVICE Filed Feb. 2, 1934 7 SheetsSheet 2 Mark A. Wckeg/y.

11v VENT!) A TTQRNE V Jan. 12, 1937. M. A. WECKERLY WEIGHING DEVICE Filed Feb. 2, 1954 '7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Mark A. Wecke/Q INVENTOR ATTORNEY Jan. 12, 1937. M. A. WECKERLY WEIGHING DEVICE Filed Feb. 2, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Mark A Weckerlq INVENTOR WW ATTORNEY Jan. 12, 1937. A. WECKERLY 2,067,743

WEIGHING DEVICE Filed Feb. 2, 1934 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Mark AWeckF/y |NVE NTOR AT T ORNEY Jan. 12, 1937. M. A. WECKERLY WEIGHING DEVICE Filed Feb. 2, 1954 '7 Sheets-Sheet 6 ew M, 2 a Z W Mark A. Wee/(erg IN VENTOR A TTORNEV Jan. 12, 1937.

M. A. WECKERLY 2,067,743

WEIGHING DEVICE Filed Feb. 2, 1954 7 Sheets-Sheet 7 Mark A. l Vecke/ /y INVENTOR If Y A TTORNEY Patented Jan. '12, 1931 A WEIGHING DEVICE Mark A. Weckerly, Toledo, Ohio, assignor to Toledo Scale Manufacturing Company,

Toledo,

Ohio, a corporation of New Jersey Application February 2, 1934, Serial No. 709,496

' 12 Claims. (Cl. 249-61) This invention relates to. improvements in weighing devices and particularly to weighing devices employed in filling containers with a predetermined amount of commodity. Among important objects of this invention is the provision of improved means in an automatic indicating weighing device for automatically offsetting the tare weight of a container when such container is placed on the load receptacle of the device.

Another object is the provision of improved means whereby compensation is made for tare weights at greater speed and accuracy than can be attained with hand operated beams and poises. Ancillary thereto is the obviation of errors due to the human element.

Another object is the provision of means whereby the customary pre-weighing of empty containers is eliminated.

A further object is the provision of means in a device of the kind herein described whereby a multi-compartment container may be filled with equal amount of commodity in each of the compartments. V

Another object is the provision of means whereby predetermined amounts of different commodities may be weighed consecutively into a single container.

Still another object is the provision of means whereby the completion of the automatic tare weight offsetting operation automatically initiates the flow of material.

Still another object is the provision of improved means whereby tare weights are offset by the cooperation of a manual load offsetting poise and a poise actuated by an electric motor.

means for offsetting a predetermined partial amount of tare load by a manually operated load offsetting poise stationed upon a beam and the variable remainder of such tare load by an automatically acting poise.

Still a further object is the provision of improved means for controlling the operation of said automatic tare offsetting means with a photo-electric element.

A further object is the provision of improved means in a device of the class described for automaticaliy controlling the automatic tare ofisetting means when the tare weight of a container is greater than the maximum capacity of the tare offsetting means.

Another object is the provision of improved anti-friction means for conveying electric current from a stationary part to an oscillatably i 55 mounted member.

A further object is the provision of improved Still another object is the provision of improved means for controlling successively automatic tare offsetting means and one or more material feeding means with a photo-electric element.

And an ancillary object is the provision of means in a device of the class described for holding a visual indicator immovable, while adjusting the position of members cooperating with a photo-electric element.

These and other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description in which reference is had to the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of my invention and wherein similar reference numerals 5 refer to similar parts throughout the several views.

Referring to the drawings in detail:

Figure I is a front eievational view of a weighing scale embodying my invention.

Figure II is an enlarged fragmentary back view of the device shown in Figure I, illustrating in detail the arrangement of the photo-electric control members and the automatically acting poise.

' Figure III is an enlarged fragmentary crosssectional plan view taken substantially along the line III-III of Figure II.

Figure IV is a side elevational view of the complete device showing a container stationed on 30 the load receiver and the relative position of fluid material feeding means.

Figure V is an enlarged end view of an antifriction means for transmitting electric current from a stationary part to an osciliatably mounted member, such as a lever.

Figure VI is a side elevational view thereof, drawn to the same scale.

Figure VII is an enlarged end view of the lever which supports the manipulative and the automatic tare offsetting means, showing a fragmentary portion of the column.

Figure VIII is an enlarged detailed side view of a circuit breaker attached to the opposite end 5 of the tare offsetting mechanism supporting lever shown in Figure VII seen substantially from the position of the line VIHV11I of Figure III.

I Figure IX is an enlarged perspective view of an improved type of material feed control means 50 which may be used in conjunction with my invention.

Figure X is an enlarged fragmentary cross sectional view of means adapted to hold a visual indicator stationary when the members cooperat- 5 2 ing'vithaphoto-electricelementarebeingedl'lcurexiissnenlsrgedcrosssectionalview substantiallyalongthelinemx'iof'l'lguren' through hub mechanism attached to an in dicator shaft for adiustably holding a plurality of indicators: and

Flguremlsalinediagramoftheelectrical circuits.

The weighing mechanism illustrated is a preferred type but since the embodiment of my invention may be adapted for use with many types of weighing scales and as the preferred type is fully shown in U. 8. Patent No. 1,768,478 toH.O.Hem.itwillhereinafter.bedescribed onlyatsuchlengthasisnecessarytofullydisclose my invention.

Referring to the drawings in detail the weighing scale comprises a base i which, for ease of moving it from place to place as may be required, is mounted upon a light but rigid framework 2 provided with wheels and casters 3 and I respectively. To an extending portion of the base which projects beyond one edge of a platform or load receiver I. a column 0 is securely bolted. This column is surmounted by a substantially watch-case-shaped housing I.

Load supporting lever mechanism is suitably housedwithinthebase I. Thismechanism comprises a main lever 8 fulcrumed by means of a pivot 0 upon a bearing ll stationed in an integral bracket II.

An auxiliary. or so called short lever I! is similarly supported upon a bracket II by means of a bearing II and a fulcrum pivot II. A suitable stirrup ll connects pivots. i1 and II flxed respectively in the levers t and If.

A load pivot It in the main lever and a load pivot 20 in the short lever I! are engaged by bearings II seated in depending feet 22 of a platform spider upon which the platform I rests. A pivot 24, with which the long lever is equipped, engages a stirrup 25, suspended by means of a rod 20' and a similar stirrup 21 from a pivot 28 in an auxiliary or tare oflsetting lever 20. This lever is fulcrumed by means of a fulcrum pivot ll, fixed therein. upon suitable bearings provided in the interior of the hollow column 6. stationed intermediately between the pivots 28' and 29 is a power pivot 29" engaged by a stirrup forming the lower end of a connection comprising the connecting rod 2' and stirrup 20 suspended from a load pivot 3. of a motion multiplying lever lll The lever ll is fulcrumed at II upon a suitable bearing fixed in a bracket which is an integral portion of the housing I, while a'pivot 85 is fixed in the opposite end of the lever and serves to connect the mechanism thus far described to the load counterbalancing mechanism.

The load counterbalancing mechanism is located within the interior of the housing I and pended by a plurality of flexible steel ribbons 34.

The frame 82 has four accurately ground vertically positioned parallel tracks ll. to the upper aoazvss ends of which the ribbons N are fastened by clips and screws not particularly shown. The lower ends of the ribbons ll overlie and are fastened to arcuate faces of fulcrum sectors it which form the bearings upon which the pendulum 33 rock. Each pendulum is equipped with an eccentrically mountedpower sector 31 fastened] intermediate the two fulcrum sectors It on a shaft ll upon which a pendulum body It is mounted so as to be adjustable with reference to the sectors it and 31. For the purpose of obtaining the necessary load resisting moment, a stem ,0 with an adjustable weight ll threaded thereon is studded into each pendulum body.

The ends of the two pendulum shafts II are freely engaged by the ends of compensating bars 42 which at their central points are provided with hearings in which a spindle 43 is supported. A resilient shock absorbing member 44 fastened to the spindle 43 supports a rack 45, the teeth of which engage the teeth of a pinion ll encompassing and pinned to a spindle l'l rotatably mounted in ball bearings ll stationed in apertures in horizontally extending flanges of the frame 32. That end of the spindle 41 which projects towards the front of the scale (Figure 1) supports an indicator is which is adapted to cooperate with weight indicia marked on a chart 50 which is fastened immediately in front of the counterbalancing pendulums in the housing 1 for the purpose of clearly indicating the weight of a commodity on the platform I. For a purpose which will hereinafter become clear. the opposite end of the spindle 41 which extends towards the back of the scale has connected thereto a plurality of indicators iii, 52, and it. Each of these indicators is provided at its outer end with a flag-like projection 54, I5 and I respectively, and each is also provided with a pointer which cooperates with a series of weight indicla 51 printed on a chart 58 which in shape and size is identical with the chart ii on the opposite side of the housing. The indicator II is in fixed relation to the indicator 4! on the front of the scale but the indicators II and 52 are adjustable to each other and to the indicator II. A narrow slot 59 is provided near the zero indicium of the series of weight indicla 51 to permit passage of light therethrough.

For the purpose of connecting the pendulum load counterbalancing mechanism to the force transmission system previously described, ribbons overlie the arcuate surfaces of the power sectors 31 to whose upper end they are fastened. Their lower ends engage a yoke-like connecting member 6| into which a hook 62 is threaded. This hook supports a stirrup 61 which by means of a suitable bearing 84 engages a power pivot 85 in the end of the lever 30 previously referred to. The ends of the tare oilsetting lever II, which is fulcrumed within the interior of the column 8, extend therethrough, and each end is equipped with a bracket 61 and 88 respectively. Graduated bars 69 and 10 are bolted to outer faces of these brackets on the platform side of the scale and cooperate with tare poises II and I! mounted thereon to constitute the manipulative tare offsetting means hereinbefore referred to. Arms I3 and 14 extend rearwardly from the brackets 68 and 61 respectively and form supports for the members which comprise the automatic tare offsetting means.

The automatic tare offsetting means comprises a universal motor 15 fastened to the face of the arms 13, an arm ll extending upwardly from this 11 face and supporting a screw 11 rotatably mounted between the arms 18 and 14, a poise 18 upon the screw and an abutting member 13 (Figure 111) to prevent the poise from rotating whenthe screw 11 rotates. The rotation of the screw is accomplished by the motor 15 whose armature shaft is provided with a worm 19 the teeth of which mesh with the teeth of worm which encompasses the end of the screw 11. To counterbalance the dead weight of the load receiving mechanism, the lever 29 and the members mounted thereon a loading box 8| is fastened to the bracket 68.

Since electrical current must be transmitted to devices situated on the tare lever, particularly the motor 15,, without materially increasing frictional forces, I have provided a series of plungers 82, 83, 84, 85, and 88 anchored by screws 90 to a bracket 89 fastened tothe bottom of the end of the lever 29 which projects beyond the column 5.

Retained to the column by screws 92 is a clip 9I which supports a series of blocks of di-electric material 93, 94, 95, 98, and 91 each of which is provided with a well filled with metallic mercury into which the plungers 82 todip. Binding posts 98 studded into the bottom of these blocks communicate with the mercury in'the wells and have wires connected thereto by means of the nuts 99. I

The arm 14 on the bracket 51 fastened to the opposite end of the tare lever 29 has two inwardly bent bosses I00 to the ends of which an insulating plate IN is fastened by the screws I02 Figure VIII. This plate forms the base of a switch I03 which comprises contacts I04 and I05 secured to the insulating plate IOI having binding posts projecting on the opposite side of the plate. An armature I 08, designed to bridge the gap between the contacts, is attached to a plunger I01 provided with a button like head I08 which is secured to the plunger onthe opposite end, and a compression spring I09 which encircles the plunger between the head I08 and the plate IOI serves to keep the armature in engagement with the contacts I04 and I05 until the poise 18 in its travel on the screw 11 engages it and overcomes the pressure of the spring I09, thus breaking the electrical circuit of which the switch I03 forms a part.

Similar mechanism is mounted adjacent the other end of the screw 11 in line with the path of travel of the poise 18 for a similar purpose.

For the purpose of opening a circuit for a reason which will hereinafter be more particularly set forth a somewhat similar electrical switch I I0 is fixed on the column 5 (Figures III and VII) so that a plunger III situated in the plane of oscillation of the lever 29 is engaged by this lever at a predetermined point of its stroke.

A tubular casing member II5 extends through an aperture into the interior of the housing 1 forming a pocket therein. An annular flanged member 5 screwed to the housing 1 surrounds the aperture and serves to firmly retain the tubular casing II5. To a portion of this casing II5, which extends through the wall of the housing 1, is fixed a receptacle H4 in which a socket H3 is mounted for the reception of a photo-electric element H2 in the usual manner.

The position of the photo electric element is so calculated and designed that an opening H5 in the casing I I5 is positioned directly back of the previously referred to slot 59. To prevent light from any other source, I except that shining through the slot 59, from impinging on the element I I2 a flange II1 surrounds the opening Hi I and extends into close proximity to the back surface of the chart 5.

For ease in adjustment of the device for accurate operation it is desirable that the position of the slot be adjustable. The slot 59 is cut through a thin member I I8 and means are provided which cooperate with this member to position the slot 59 within the confines of an aperture II9 cut through the chart 50. A plate I20 is fastened th the back of the chart into which two studs I2I are riveted. Two slots I22 in the member II8 are of such width and so spaced that the studs freely pass therethrough. Washers I23 surrounding the studs I2I rest over the slots I22 and springs I24 encircling the studs to which they are retained by washers I25 and cotter keys I20 extending through the studs exert a pressure on the member II8 to frictionally retain this member in position. For adjusting the position of the slot a small stud I21 is secured to the member II 8 which projects into the bifurcated end of an arm I28 fastened to a shaft I29 wlmi xtends through a hole in the housing 1 and an opening in an ear I30 formed by an integrally bent up portion of the plate I20. To that end of the shaft I29 which is on the exterior of the housing 1 a knurled knob I3I is fastened. When it is necessary or desirable to adjust the position of the slot 59 this may be accomplished by turning the knob I3I. The furcations of the member I28 actuated by the knob I3I, contact the stud I21 on the member 8 and urge it into the desired location, the pressure exerted by the springs I24 being sufficient to retain it in the adjusted position.

A source of light comprising a small incandescent lamp I33 is provided to activate the photoelectric element II2. This lamp I33 is stationed in a socket I34 screwed to the end of a tube I35 which is held by an arm I36 fastened to the receptacle II4, so that light from the lamp I33 shining through a condensing lens I31, which in this case is a section of a solid glass cylinder, is concentrated directly upon the slot 59. The lens I31, for the purpose of accurately focusing the beam of light, is fastened in a holder I38 which may be adjusted back andforth in tube I39 in which the socket I34 is also positioned. When the proper adjustment of the lens I31 has been made it may be locked in this position in the tube by the thumb nut I40.

Cooperating with the photo-electric control element are the indicators 5|, 52, and 53 with flag-like projections or interceptors 54, 55, and 56. which is positioned upon the portion of the spindle 41 projecting beyond the ball bearing 48 in the frame 32 on the back of the scale. A portion I of this spindle has flat milled faces and the hub I32 is provided with a broached hole in which a block I42 is situated. This block is shaped so as to firmly grip the milled faces when a screw I43 extending through the hub at substantially a right angle to the axis of the spindle, is tightened. The indicator 53 is fastened integrally to the hub I32 by screws I 44 fixing its relative position with reference to the indicator 49 on the opposite side of the scale. Indicators 5| and 52 are rotatably positioned on the periphery of a hollow boss I45 forming part of a clamp plate I46 which is also mounted on the spindle 41, discs I41 being provided to space the indicators 5I, 52, and 53 from each other. Upon the end of the spindle 41 a nut I48 is threaded pressing a spring I49 against the inside face of the The indicator 53 is fastened to a hub I32 hollow boss I45. This construction provides sufficient pressure to hold the indicators in adjusted position. To hold the indicator 49 immovable when either or both indicators II' and II are adjusted in relation to the indicator 59 and to each other, an arm I50 of sheet metal is riveted to the indicator 49. The end of this arm is provided with a V notch and adapted to be engaged by the chisel pointed end of a plunger Ill which is supported at one end by a bracket I 52 fastened to the frame 32, (see Figure X) the other end being supported in a bushing I53 studded into the wall of the housing I. Within this bushing, in an enlarged portion of the bore, a spring I54 which encompasses the plunger presses outwardly against a knob I55, fixed to the extending tip of the plunger, thus holding the plunger out of engagement with the notched end of the arm I50 unless properly manipulated.

The device herein described is adapted, as hereinbefore stated, to automatically counterbalance the tare weight of commodity receptacles having varying weights and to fill receptacles having a plurality of compartments. It is also adapted to control a plurality of material feeding means. The material handled by these means may be dry fluent material or fluids. Figure IX illustrates the material control means employed in filling containers with lard. These feeding means comprise a delivery spout I56 which terminates in branches I51 and I50. These branches in turn terminate in branches I59, I60, I6I, and I62. The branch I59 terminates in a magnetically controlled valve I69, similar valves I64, I65, and I66 from the terminals of the branches I60, I6I and I62 respectively. Conduits I61 are provided to furnish channels for electric wires to the different coils which form part of the magnetic valves. Reference to Figure IX will disclose that two of these valves I63, and I64 are positioned over one compartment and the two valves I65 and I66 are positioned over the other compartment of the container I68 which is shown standing upon the platform 5 or the scale. The fiow of one of the valves; for example, I63 of the pair positioned over the first compartment is adjusted by the hand valve I69 in the vertically extending leg of a branch I59 to deliver a much smaller volume of the material per unit of time than the other. A similar adjustment is made in one of the branches positioned over the other compart ment.

Operation Let us assume that it is intended to fill multicompartment containers with lard so that 28 pounds of the material is contained in one of the compartments and also 28 pounds in the other compartment making the total exactly 56 pounds. We also assume that the average weight of the container is five pounds. As a first step the operator presses the knob I55 which causes the plunger I 5I secured to the knob to enter the V notch in the arm I50. This holds the indicator 49 in coincidence with the zero indicium on the chart 50 and also holds the indicator 59 on the opposite side of the housing immovable. The operator then with the spindle locked by the means just described, moves the point of the in- 52 so that its pointer coincides with the 55 pound indicium on the same series of indicia. It will be seen that the difference between 28 and 56 is 28 pounds, which equals the amount to be filled in the second compartment. The knob I55 fastened to the plunger I5I is then released so that the spring I54 moves the chisel point out of engagement with the arm I50 on the indicator 49, so that the spindle with the indicators 49, 5|, and 53 is free to revolve when a load is placed on the platform 5.

Having determined that the average weight of the containers, to be filled, is substantially five pounds, the operator offsets this average weight by moving one of the poises; for example, No. 71 to a position on the beam 69 where its effective weight moment is sufficient to counterbalance this amount, the weight of the automatic poise I0 being such that from its zero position, on the screw 11 (in which position its weight is counterbalanced) it may move in opposite directions so that its weight moment may add to or subtract from the weight moment of the poise II. When the container I69 is placed on the platform 5, the fiag-like projection 56 on the indicator 53 moves either to a position to intercept the beam of light, emanating from the lamp I33 or to a position where the light is permitted to pass through the slot 59 and impinge on the photo-electric element II2. tainer I66 is placed on the platform, it is an indication that the weight of the container is greater than the 5 pounds which were offset by means of the poise II on the beam 69 and upon pressing a starter button I15; the motor 15 will rotate in such a direction that it will cause the hand 56 to move in a direction clockwise to a person standing back of the scale until the hand 56 intercepts the beam of light. Interception of the light beam by actuating a system of relays and other electrical devices hereinafter more particularly described, reverses the direction of the motor causing the poise I8 to move towards the right on the screw 'Il influencing the mechanism to uncover the slot 59. At this time the system of relays and electrical devices stops the motor II. If the weight of the empty container placed on a scale platform is less than the predetermined average, however, the flag like projection 56 on the hand 53 intercepts the beam of light and prevents the light irom entering the slot 59 the motor runs in the opposite direction and the poise I0 is moved in a direction so that it influences the counterbalancing mechanism in the housing 1 to move the indicator to uncover the slot 59 in the chart. As soon as light re-enters the slot, by means of the system of relays the motor is reversed moving the poise 18 until the flag like projection 56 again intercepts the light. This again reverses the motor I5 and causes the poise 10 to move in the opposite direction, causing the projection 56 to again permit light to enter the photo-electric element. An interlocking mechanism comprising relays and other electrical devices which will hereinafter be more particularly described that stops the motor I5. When the motor 15 is stopped after the weight of the container which may be either heavy or light has been oifset, a time delay relay is energized and after the lapse of a desired time interval valves I63 and I64 are opened. The valve I64 allows a larger quantity of material in this example, lard, to pass during a given period of time than the valve I60. The weight of the lard accumulating in the container acting through the levers 9 and I2, and

If light is not intercepted when the conthe connecting rod 26 the lever 36 the hook 62 and the ribbons 66 'actuates the load counterbalancing pendulums 33, causing them to move 42 rotates the spindle with the indicators in an anti-clockwise direction until the edge of the I paddle like projection 54 9n the indicator '51 covers the slot 56, thus preventing light emanating from the lamp I33 to impinge on the photo-electric element I I2. The increased resistance in the darkened element II2 results in de-energization of the coil of the valve I64 closing the valve and stopping the material feeding therethrough. 'Ilhe smaller feed stream, however, continues through the valve I63 until the paddle like projection 54 on the indicator 5I passes over the slot 56 and uncovers the same, allowing light to re-enter the photo-electric element. Suitable relays and other electrical devices then operate to de-energize the coil of the valve I 63 stopping the flow of the lard therethrough. The interlocking mechanism, when the coil of the valve I63 is de-energized actuates a further time delay relay and after the predetermined lapse of time energizes the coils of the valves I65 and I66. These now are opened and feed lard into the second compartment of the container. The steps in the operation of valves I65 and I66 are the same as those in the operation of valves I63 and I64 just described until the slot 56 is uncovered by the back edge of the flag like projection 55 of the indicator 52. The desired amount of lard is now in the container. When the operator removes the filled container from the platform, the lever 26 being overbalanced, turns about its fulcrum pivot under the influence of the weight in the loading box until its other end strikes the plunger III of the switch H6 which opens a circuit and button station making it possible to start another complete filling operation.

Referring more particularly to the operations of the electrical devices, when the container is placed on the platform the indicator 53 is in a position to either intercept the beam of light or to permit the light to pass through the slot 56 onto the photo-electric element. If the light is not intercepted and the operator depresses the starting button 266 the motor I5 will rotate in a direction to cause the indicator 53 to move clockwise to a person standing back of the scale until the indicator intercepts the beam of light at which time the interlocking mechanism will reverse the direction of rotation of the motor 15. The interlocking mechanism comprises relay 26I with its normally open contacts 26", 26F, 26F,

and relay 262 with its normally closed contact 262 its normally open contact 262* which upon operation makes before the normally closed contact 262 is opened, and its normally open contact 262 a relay 263 which is a secondary coil parallel to the main coil of the relay 2M and its normally closed contact 263 which opens before its normally open contact 263 closes; relay 264 and its contacts 264 and 264 relay 265 with its contacts 265 265 and 265 relay 266 pro vided with its normally closed contact 266 relay 261 and its contacts 26! and 261 which control the energization of the armature of the motor 15 in one direction and the relay 268 and its contacts 266 and 263 which control the energization of the armature in the other direction. As soon as the hand 53 under the influence of the weight of a load on the platform uncovers the slot 56 in the dial, the output of the photo-electric amplifying unit will close contact 225 energizing relay 226 closing its normally open contacts 226 226", '223 'and opening its normally closed contacts 226 226, 226'. The motor 15 will be deenergized and stop.

7 -If the weight of the empty container placed on platform is such to permit the hand 53 to come to rest in a position so that the interceptor 56 covers the slot 56 in the chart 53, the motor 15 will be energized to run in a direction to move the poise 13in such direction that the interceptor 56 moves to a position to uncoverthe slot 56. Light passing through the slot 56 and impinging upon the photo-electric element II2 causes the motor 15 to be reversed andwith the cooperation of the pinions I6, 36 and the screw 11 the poise I3 is moved in the opposite direction. The paddle 56 on the indicator 53 moves to a position which allows light to re-enter the photo-electric element II2. This de-energizes the 'motor I5. With the de-energization of the motor I5 9. time delay relay 266 is energized, its contacts 266 and its interlock 266 energizes relay 2I6 whose function will hereafter be more particularly described. After the lapse of the desired time interval, relays 2H and H2 will cause the contacts 2H 2H 2I2 and 2I2 to close. thus energizing the coils of feed valves I63 and I64 opening the valves. Lard is now discharged through these valves into one compartment of the container I66 standing on the platform 5. (Valve I64 in this example controls the main feed stream and valve I63 the so called dribble stream.) When the relay 2I2 is energized, a relay 266 is simultaneously energized, its contact 266 energizes relay 2| 4 through the circuit of the electrical switch H6. A contact 2H on the relay 2I4 prevents the initiation of the filling operation when the starter button 266 is depressed until after removal of the filled container. The relay 2 remains energized until the container is removed from the weighing platform 5. Removal of this container causes the contact of the electrical switch II6 to be broken, thus de-energlzing the relay 2| 4 and restoring through 2H the starting circuit to its initial operative condition. Relays 2H and 2I2 remain open until the intercepting paddle 54 on the indicator 5| assumes a position which intercepts the light impinging on the photo-electric element II2. When this occurs the coil of the fast feed valve I64 is de-energized and the valve closes while the slow feed valve I63 continues to permit lard to flow into the container. This flow of material continues until the paddle 54 has passed completely across the slot 56 and light again impinges upon the photo-electric element H2. When this occurs the coil of relay 2| 2 is de-energized and the valve I63 is closed. When the coil of the slow feed valve is de-energized and the valve closed, a time delay relay 2I5 through its contact U5 and its interlock 2I5 energizes the relay 2I6 whose function is simi lar to the function of the relay 2I6. After the lapse of the desired time interval the coils of slow feed valve I65 and fast feed valve I66 are energized causing the other half of the container to be filled, the operation being similar to the one previously described with the exception that it is done with the cooperation of the indicator 52 through relays 2'I'I, 2I8, H6, and 2I3 and their contacts, and the function of these parts being similar to the ones previously described in the operation of filling the first compartment.

when a container, whose weight is less than the counterbalancing capacity of the adjusted poises II and/or 12, which were set for the average weight of the container, is placed on the platform 5, the poise 18 will travel along the screw 11 until it reaches its safe limit of travel when it will engage the contact plunger lfll and compress the spring I09, thus disengaging the bridging member Hi6 from the contacts Hi4 and Ill, breaking the circuit which energizes the motor II and thereby preventing damage to the mechanism. The operator may then press a stop button 220 which opens all circuits and de-energizes all of the relays therein and depresses the free end of the tare beam lever 29. This operation causes the counterbalancing mechanism comprising the pendulums 33 and all the devices attached thereto and actuated thereby to operate to uncover the light slot 59. Holding the lever in this position the operator may then depress the starter button 200, thus again energizing the motor I5 which, however, in this case will revolve in the opposite direction and return the poise 18 to its initial position. When the poise has reached its initial position pressure on the stop button will again de-energize all the circuits including the motor 15 and leave the device in a condition so that the filling operations may be resumed.

A similar switch in the path of the travel of the poise 18 adjacent the opposite end of the screw 11 performs a similar function when container is heavier than the average weight for which the noises were positioned.

The embodiment of my invention herein shown and described is to be regarded as illustrative only and it is to be understood that the invention is susceptible to variation, modification and change within the spirit and scope of the subjoined claims.

Having described my invention, I claim:

1. In a device of the class described, in comblnation, automatic load-couterbalancing mechanism, a poise, means connected to said auto- 'matic load-counterbalancing mechanism and supporting said poise to act in substitution for said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, electric poise-positioning 1 means, means connecting said poise-positioning means to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, control means for said electric poisepositioning means, means operated by movement of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism away from zero position to actuate said control means to cause said poise-positioning means to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position whereby said automatic loadcounterbalancing mechanism is returned to zero position, and means operated by the return of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism to zero position to actuate said control means to stop the operating of said poise-positioning means.

2. In a device of the class described, in combination, automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, a poise, electric poise-positioning means, means connecting said poise-positioning means to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, control means for said electric poise-positioning means, means operated by movement of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism to actuate said control means, material feeding means, and means to initiate a flow of material in said material feeding means when said poise is in load-counterbalancing position.

3. In a device of the class described, in combination, automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, a poise, electric poise-positioning means, means connecting said poise-positioning means to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, control means for said electrio poise-positioning means, means operated by movement of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism to actuate said control means, material feeding means, means to initiate a flow of material in said material feeding means when said poise is in load-counterbalancing position, and means connected with said automatic loadcounterbalancing mechanism for causing stoppage of such flow of material.

4. In a device of the class described, in combination, automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, a poise, electric poise-positioning means, means connecting said poise-positioning means to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, control means for said electric poise-positioning means, means operated by movement of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism to actuate said control means, material feeding means, means to initiate a flow of material in said material feeding means when said poise is in load-counterbalancing position, and means connected with said automatic loadcounterbalancing mechanism for causing diminution of such flow of material and then causing stoppage of such flow of material.

5. In a device of the class described, in combination, automatic load-counterbalanclng mechanism, a poise, means connected to said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism and supporting said poise to act in substitution for said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, a reversible electric motor, means connecting said reversible electric motor to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, control means for said reversible electric motor, means operated by movement of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism away from zero position to actuate said control means to cause said electric motor to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position wherebysaid automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism is returned to zero position, and. means operated by the return of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism to zero position to actuate said control means to stop said electric motor.

6. In a device of the class described, in combination, automatic load-counterbalancing mech. anism, a poise, means connected to said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism and supporting said poise to act in substitution for said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, a reversible electric motor, means connecting said reversible electric motor to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, light-sensitive control means for said reversible electric motor, means operated by movement of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism away from zero position to actuate said lightsensitive control means to cause said electric motor to move said poise into load-counterbaiancing position whereby said automatic loadcounterbalancing mechanism is returned to zero position, and means operated by the return of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism to zero position to actuate said light-sensitive control means to stop said electric motor.

7. In a device of the class described, in coming mechanism to actuate said light-sensitive conbination, automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, a poise, a reversible electric motor, means connecting said reversible electric mo or to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, light-sensitive control means for movement of said automatic load-counterbalanc-' ing mechanism to actuate said light-sensitive control means, material feeding means, means to initiate a flow of material in said material feeding means when said poise is in load-counterbalancing position, and means connected with said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism for causing-stoppage of such flow of material.

9. In a device of the class described, in combination, automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, a poise, a reversible electric motor, means connecting said reversible electric motor to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, light-sensitive control means for said reversible electric motor, means operated by movement of said automatic load-counterbalanctrol means, material feeding means, means to initiate a flow of material in said material feeding means when said poise is in load-counterbalancing position, and means connected with said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism for causing diminution of such flow of material and then causingstoppage of such flow of material.

10. In a device of the class described, in combination, automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, a poise, electric poise-positioning means, means connecting saidpoise-positioning means to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, control means for said electric poise-positioning means, means operated by movement of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism to actuate said control means,

material feeding means, means to initiate a flow of material in said material feeding means when said poise is in load-counterbalancing position, means connected with said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism for causing stoppage of such flow of material, and means for initiating another flow of material after stoppage of the first initiated flow of material.

11. In a device of the class described, in combination, automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, a poise, electric poise-positioning means, means connecting said poise-positioning means to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, control means for said electric poise-positioning means, means operated by movement of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism to actuate said control means, material feeding means, means to initiate a flow of material in said material feeding means when said poise is in load-counterbalancing position, means connected with said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism for causing stoppage of such flow of material, means for initiating another fiow of material after stoppage of the first initiated flow of material, and means connected with said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism for causing stoppage of such other flow of material.

12. In a device of the class described, in combination, automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism, a poise, electric poise-positioning means, means connecting said poise-positioning means to said poise to move said poise into load-counterbalancing position, control means for said electric poise-positioning means, means operated by movement of said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism to actuate said control means, material feeding means, means to initiate a flow of material in said material feeding means when said poise is in load-counterbalancing position, means connected with said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism for causing diminution of such flow of material and then causing stoppage of such flow of material, means for initiating another flow of material after stoppage of the first initiated flow of material, and means connected with said automatic load-counterbalancing mechanism for causing diminution of such other flow of material and then causing stoppage of such other flow of material.

MARK A. WECKERLY. 

